Winter

The Jura Range

A 5 days tour to appreciate the most beautiful sites of the Jura mountain range.

Through beautiful panoramas, snowy pastures and forests we will discover this wild but hospitable area. By discovering the footprints of the lynx, the great tetras and the musical instrument makers of yesteryear, you will enjoy this region full of stories and secrets. Without forgetting the hospitality of the Jura residents and the flavours of their local produce.

Departure from Chamonix in the morning with a transfer to Lelex village. We start this day by taking a lift up to the regional natural park, where we will start our hike. The Crêt de la Neige (1720 m) offers us a magnificent 360° view over the Alps, Leman Lake, the High Jura and the Franche Comté plains. In the heart of the Jura range, the icy shape of pine trees and canyons give to this landscape a Finnish taiga look.

Night in a Bed and Breakfast in a cottage near a village of Hautes Combes.

Day 2 :La DôleElevation gain : 2 230ft. - Loss: 2 230ft.

Starting at the Franco-Swiss border, we will hike through the hilly and snowy alpine pastures beneath the southern summit of the Dôle. It is the perfect place to look for the famous chamois, emblem of Jura and easily observable. The chalet, of the same name will be the occasion of a well-deserved break before returning to our starting point by the summit ridge. We settle tonight for two nights in a cozy cottage where you will appreciate the friendly vibe and the local produce.

Jour 3 : Le RisouxElevation gain : 1 035ft. - Loss: 1 035ft.

From hut to hut, that is the name we could have given to this walk. We will cross the beautiful forest of Risoux and discover at the same time the history of Jura mountain huts. The forest, since always exploited, has kept the mark of generations who came to exploit its world-famous wood. After a stopover tasting the "Jura fondue" in a mountain hut, we will finish that day with a visit at the Boissellerie museum.

Day 4 : Le NoirmontElevation gain : 1 740ft. - Loss: 1 740ft. The Lynx territory ! How can we not speak about this mythical predator which is making the savage reputation of the Jura range. We will follow its spoors and will discover the Noirmont area, a mountain between two lakes. A wild itinerary with varied landforms as evidenced by the fairytale names of the combe du couchant, Mont Sala, the crête des Danses and the Creux du Croue. Overnight in comfortable and warm Swiss hotel.

Day 5 : Mont tendreElevation gain : 1 575ft. - Loss: 1 575ft.Gently, following our desires, we will head towards the Mont Tendre. Blown by the wind, it is the highest peak of the Swiss Jura. From there the whole Alps range offers itself to us. The panorama is grand. In the surrounding forests, there is the Capercaillie, another symbol of the Jura. At the end of the day, a return by ancient bogs to the Col de Marchairuz will ring the end of our traverse. Return to Chamonix late in the afternoon.

Important : guides and leaders may have to adapt program and hiking route to weather/ terrain conditions and according to group hiking skills.

LEVEL 3/5 : Moderate trek. For active people who does not mind training to prepare for the hike.Multi-day snowshoe hike for people with trekking experience.5 to 6-hour hike with average vertical gain between 1 035 ft. and 2 300 ft.Prior experience recommended. Lodge based trek.ACCOMMODATION : 1 night in a twin room or quadruple room with shared bathroom in an inn. 2 nights in twin or quadruple room with shared bathroom in an inn. 1 night in a twin room with private bathroom in a small Swiss hotel.

GUIDING : Each mountain leader guides groups of 5 (min) to 8 people (max).Important : no booking accepted in our scheduled groups for people under the age of 18.MEETING PLACE : 9.00am at the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, 190 place de l’Eglise. 74400 Chamonix.You are welcome to come and meet your guide the evening before at our office at 6 pm.

TRAINING : Good physical condition will allow you to make the most of your holiday. A month before the hike at least, we suggest you walk upstairs, rather than use the elevator. During the weekends you can run, walk or ride your bike to train for the hike. Doing a medical check-up before signing for the trip is recommended. Your guide should be informed of any medical treatment.

If you already have a group we can organize for you a private tour with your own mountain leader !

ADVANTAGES :- Exclusive guideA more individualized relationship between your group and the professional.

- Choose your date of departureYou can choose your date of departure within the limit of the hut availabilities.

- Flexibility all along the tripDepending on weather conditions, your level and your expectations, the guide can suggest you some different options of itinerary.